May 20, 2019 (Albstadt, Germany) – Pedal also caught up with Peter Disera (Norco Factory Team), reigning Canadian champ, who took home a career-best 19th in the Elite Men’s 28km race in epic conditions at Albstadt, Germany for UCI MTB XCO World Cup #1 – results here.
Congrats on your career-best 19th – how did it feel to start so close to the front ?
Peter Disera: Thanks…it was an awesome feeling to start that close to the front. I’ve been front row here before in U23, but surrounded by much more established company and that was a cool feeling to stand with them.
Did this give you a confidence boost ?
PD: Yes it does and it was great to ride near the front.
How was the pace at the start – it looked brutal ?
PD: Much nicer than the yoyo at the back.
PD: Loved it. Much better in the rain.
Tell us about your race – you were always in the top 20 – how tough was that ?
PD: I had a good start and then tried to “chill” on the start loop. I didn’t want to waste unnecessary energy knowing that there was a long race ahead. The rain really started coming down and I fought to hold my Top 15 position. Nearing the end of the race I was fully torqued. My body was done, I bled a few spots but I managed to hold onto that Top 20. Pretty happy and stoked off of such a good result at the 1st World Cup. It really speaks to the program and environment we have with the Norco Factory Team – supportive, dialled and bound to have success.
Did you like the course and did it suit you ?
PD: Not a huge fan of this course with the super steep climbs but for some reason I always do well here.
PD: I could not wait to see the finish-line.
Did you know you were top 20 ?
PD: Yes, I was very aware of my position throughout the race.
How do you recover ?
PD: Eat and try to sleep. But we have to rush pack and roll out for CZE tomorrow! So chill as much in the car as we can.
Good luck this season and next weekend in Nove Mesto ?
PD: Thanks.